Page 130 - Build a Culture of Employee Engagement with the Principles

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Recognition

7. Document it! Most employees get notes in their personnel
folders for disciplinary action. The next time somebody does
something noteworthy, put a note in his or her folder. This
has a very practical advantage in that you are able to refer
to it when completing performance reviews at the end of the
year. It also has an extremely tangible and practical benefit
to the employee and his or her career should you leave the
company.
8. Increased recognition. Recognize an employee by giv-
ing him or her the opportunity for increased recognition. For
example, you can have the employee either attend a meeting
with you or go in your place where he or she will get exposed
to higher-ups in the organization. If the employee is to play
a role in the meeting, make sure that the employee is fully
prepared so that he or she may achieve success.
9. Meeting starter. At the beginning of every team meet-
ing ask people to go around the room and share one thing
that an employee or fellow team member did that should be
acknowledged. If the person being recognized is not in the
room, encourage those present to pass along kudos when
next they see the individual.
10. Read all about it. After your team finishes a big proj-
ect, take out an ad in the local paper with everyone’s name
congratulating them on a job well done. People will love it!

The Bottom Line

Regardless of your philosophical beliefs about work ethic, the
simple truth remains that acknowledging employees’ contribu-
tions increases their sense of pride and respect, which in turn
increases their discretionary effort and engagement. Employees